CONTENTS Part 1: An introduction to our feathered friends 6 A brief history of the domesticated chicken 6 Anatomy of the domestic chicken 7 Chicken characteristics and behaviours 8 The egg 9 • Egg shape 10 • Egg size 11 • Egg shell strength 12 • Egg shell colour 13 • Blood stains on the shell 13 • Yolk colour 14 • Blood in the yolk 14 • Multiple yolk eggs 15 • Albumen texture 15 • Meat spots in the albumen 16 • Characteristics of a fresh egg 16 • Preserving egg freshness 17 Part 2: Why keep chickens? 18 For their eggs 19 To share an experience of nature with your family 20 As part of an urban self-sufficient ecosystem 20 For their beauty 21 For companionship 21 Part 3: Establishing your own home flock 22 Choosing the right birds for your flock 23 • Breed 23 • Number 23 • Age 23 Replacing your flock 24 Housing your backyard flock 24 • Enough room 25 • Adequate ventilation 25 • Protection from the elements 25 • Security from predators 25 • Perches for roosting 26 • A place to nest 27 • Lighting to promote egg production 28 • Easy cleaning 28 • Optional extras that make your life easier 29 • Mobile chicken homes 29 Introducing birds to their new home 30 Introducing new birds to an established flock 30 Introducing birds to other pets 31 Rearing of day-old chickens 32 Handling your chickens 33 4 | THE CHOOK BOOK